New leadership announced for UKTram Owners and Authorities Group

UKTram is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Hopkinson, Head of Metro Operations at Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) as the new Chair of the Owners and Authorities Group.

Joining him in the leadership role is Stuart Lowrie, Public Transport Manager for the City of Edinburgh Council, who will serve as Vice Chair.

Together, Chris and Stuart bring a wealth of experience and insight to the group, reflecting the crucial role that local transport authorities play in shaping light rail across the UK. Their combined expertise will help ensure the group continues to drive forward key priorities and collaboration across the sector.

Chris Hopkinson has played a leading role in the delivery and expansion of the West Midlands Metro, supporting long-term ambitions for growth, integration and innovation. Chris commented:

Chris Hopkinson

“I’m looking forward to chairing the Owners and Authorities UKTram group. Working with colleagues I hope we can look at opportunities to collaborate in order to improve our systems and also look at how we can support those Authorities looking to implement light rail”.

Stuart Lowrie brings in-depth knowledge from his work overseeing public transport policy and delivery in Edinburgh, including the city’s expanding tram network:

Stuart Lowrie

“I am very happy to be appointed as vice chair and will do all I can to support Chris. UK Tram, and particularly the owners / authorities group, has been an invaluable source of information and assistance to me in my role in Edinburgh and I look forward to getting more involved in the development of this important organisation.”

UKTram would like to extend its sincere thanks to Danny Vaughan (TfGM) and Mark Davis (London Trams) for their outstanding contribution as the previous Chair and Vice Chair.

UKTram Managing Director, James Hammett, commented:

“We’re grateful to Danny and Mark for their exceptional leadership, and delighted to welcome Chris and Stuart to their new roles. The Owners and Authorities Group is vital in shaping sector strategy and supporting our collective ambitions. We look forward to building on that momentum with Chris and Stuart on board.”

The new leadership team will chair their first meeting later this year, as UKTram continues to drive collaboration, growth and innovation across all member organisations.